Shanghai, China – April 21: Race winner Max Verstappen of the Netherlands and Oracle Red Bull Racing team principal Christian Horner celebrate with their team after the Formula 1 Chinese Grand Prix at the Shanghai International Circuit on April 21, 2024 in Shanghai, China. (Photo by Lars Baron/Getty Images)
The 26-year-old youngster clinched his first victory in Shanghai, putting himself 25 points ahead of his Mexican teammate Sergio Perez after five races and marking his fourth win of the season. He has also started all five races from pole position and is on course to become a “four-time” Formula 1 world champion before the end of this season.
Verstappen has now emerged victorious in half of all races held since Formula 1 last competed in China in April 2019, before the COVID-19 outbreak. In total, only Michael Schumacher (91) and Lewis Hamilton (103) have claimed more wins than Max, who currently boasts an impressive 58 victories and counting!
McLaren’s Lando Norris, who finished second on Sunday, told journalists over the weekend that the sport is witnessing an unprecedented level of domination: “The only races that have been exciting are the ones where Max is absent. When you see the same driver winning every time without any competition, it inevitably becomes monotonous, and that is evident,” lamented Norris, who secured a podium in China, splitting the dominant Red Bulls.
During a conversation with reporters in Shanghai after the race, Horner expressed the need to appreciate Verstappen’s exceptional performances: “Max possesses a unique talent, and this is truly a remarkable moment for him. As we have seen with every driver, this level of success is not eternal, and I believe it is crucial to savor the moment. There is no guarantee that we will be able to provide him with a car of this caliber every year for the next five years. It’s about making the most of the present moment. He is like a consistent metronome. He has maintained the same pace he showed last year,” continued Horner, whose team previously won four consecutive titles with Sebastian Vettel from 2010 to 2013.
“Since the last Chinese Grand Prix, he has emerged victorious in 50% of all races. He has triumphed in 21 of the last 23 races. He is in exceptional form, in tune with the car and the team, and is making the most of his races,” insisted Horner.
Regarding the future of the Dutchman, the Red Bull F1 boss stated that there is no “ambiguity” regarding Verstappen’s racing plans in 2025, referring to public statements made by Mercedes boss Toto Wolff, despite Verstappen already having a contract until 2028. Mercedes dominated the sport from 2014 to 2020 and will have a seat available in 2025, with seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton moving to Ferrari. The Italian team experienced a similar golden era with Michael Schumacher in the early 2000s.
“I believe that sometimes these comments are simply intended to create controversy,” Horner commented on Wolff’s statements. “We have now surpassed the number of races won by Mercedes in the modern era. Our team is in great shape, so why would you want to leave this team? Maybe [Wolff] should spend his time better focusing on the team instead of the driver market. Have you heard that George Russell’s contract expires at the end of 2025? Maybe he is not so eager to stay in ’26. The market is constantly changing,” speculated Horner. (Written by Alan Baldwin)
© 2024
A new record was broken in the world of automotive sports. During an exciting race at the Silverstone circuit, driver Max Verstappen achieved victory in great style. With an impressive performance, Verstappen dominated the track and left his competitors behind.
The race started with a lot of adrenaline and excitement. Verstappen, who started in pole position, maintained the lead from the start and did not give his opponents a chance. With skill and determination, the driver of the Red Bull Racing team showed why he is considered one of the best in the world.
During the final laps, Verstappen faced strong pressure from the second-placed Lewis Hamilton. However, the Dutch driver remained firm and did not make any mistakes. With impeccable driving, he crossed the finish line in first place, to the delight of the fans present at the circuit.
This victory marks a historic moment for Verstappen, who becomes the youngest driver to win a Formula 1 race. At 21 years old, he surpasses the previous record set by Sebastian Vettel. This achievement puts Verstappen in a high position in the world of motorsport.
After the race, Verstappen expressed his happiness and gratitude for the Red Bull Racing team. He highlighted the hard work of all team members and thanked the fans for their support. Verstappen also acknowledged the importance of this victory for his career and for the sport as a whole.
With this win, Verstappen solidifies himself as one of the top competitors in Formula 1. His skill and determination are admired by fans and experts worldwide. Now, everyone is eager to see what the future holds for this young talent.
